Jeetu Munda, a 50-year-old resident of Dianali village in Odisha Keonjhar district, approached a bank to withdraw ₹20,000 from his deceased sister’s account. His elder sister, Kalra Munda, aged 56, had died on January 26, 2026, after an illness. She had earned the money through selling cattle. With no nominee or other legal heir, Jeetu became the sole claimant to the funds. However, when he visited the Maliposi branch of Odisha Grameen Bank, officials asked him to submit a death certificate and other documents. Lacking awareness and resources, Jeetu failed to provide the required paperwork despite multiple visits.
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Odisha Man: Police Step In, Administration Assures Help
Frustrated by repeated rejections and unable to understand the banking procedures, Jeetu took an extreme step. He exhumed his sister’s skeletal remains from her burial site and carried them to the bank as proof of her death. According to him, bank staff had insisted that he bring the account holder, which he interpreted literally. The shocking act created panic among staff and customers, highlighting the communication gap between rural citizens and formal institutions. His actions drew widespread attention and raised concerns about the lack of awareness and support for illiterate individuals in such processes.
Police soon arrived at the scene after receiving information about the incident. Patana Police Station Inspector Kiran Prasad Sahu stated that Jeetu, being illiterate, did not understand legal procedures like nominee or heir claims. He also noted that bank officials failed to properly guide him. The police assured Jeetu that they would help him withdraw the money through proper legal channels. They later ensured that the remains were respectfully reburied. Local authorities, including the Block Development Officer, promised to assist in resolving the issue. The administration has now directed the bank to expedite the process and ensure Jeetu receives the money as the rightful claimant.
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